Investing in America’s Future
The Top Ten Transportation Projects in 2009
These 10 transportation success stories were the highest rated by a panel of independent judges among 50 nominees from 33 states in the 2009 America’s Transportation Awards, sponsored by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA, and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. These projects provide the best examples of creativity, accountability, efficiency, and cost effectiveness in keeping America moving.
It is critical that our transportation systems receive the funding necessary to keep America moving. But even more important is that our state and local governments use that money to deliver projects that quickly meet the needs of our communities in the most cost-effective and efficient manner.
~ John Horsley
Executive Director, American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials
1. Fix I-5 Sacramento Project
California Department of Transportation
A fast-track project in downtown Sacramento that repaired drainage systems and replaced pavement along a busy commuter route in just 71/2 weeks.
2. I-95 Mainline Widening Project
Delaware Department of Transportation
A four-mile widening project to add a fifth lane in each direction on one of the east coast’s busiest highways carrying nearly 230,000 vehicles daily.
3. 95 Express Miami Project
Florida Department of Transportation
Construction of high-occupancy-toll (HOT) lanes with congestion pricing in the Miami-Dade, Broward County areas to ease congestion.
4. Front Street Natchitoches Restoration Project
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Reconstruction of a historic brick road in the oldest settlement in the Louisiana Purchase included removing, cleaning, and restoring 300,000 bricks.
5. MD 32 at Burntwoods Road Project
Maryland State Highway Administration
A complex, $18.5 million interchange reconstruction project to improve safety and traffic flows on a busy two-lane road.
6. M-115 Clare County Improvement Project
Michigan Department of Transportation
An upgrade of a 5.5-mile section of Michigan 115, using a $1 million grant from the FHWA’s Highways for Life safety program, and employing innovative construction techniques.
7. I-35W Minneapolis Bridge Replacement Project
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Successful and rapid construction of a new bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, replacing a bridge that tragically collapsed on August 1, 2007.
8. Yankton Bridge Project
Nebraska Department of Roads
A $24 million project to replace an 84-year-old bridge crossing the Missouri River connecting South Yankton, Nebraska, and Yankton, South Dakota, completed one year ahead of schedule and under budget.
9. I-86 Interchange Project
New York State Department of Transportation
Construction of a free-flow system interchange while balancing environmental, economic, and community issues.
10. Clayton Bypass Project
North Carolina Department of Transportation
Construction of a new 10.7-mile, four-lane divided bypass freeway from I-40 to US-70 in Johnston and Wake counties, saving drivers between 15 to 30 minutes in travel time.